Lifting truck



pu, 192a A. M. BARRETT LIFTING TRUCK Origizmlfiled Dec. 21. 1917 2 Shays-Shani 1 Sept. 1, 1925.

M. BARRETT LIFTING TRUCK 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ori inal Filed D60. 21, 1917 Patented Sept. 1, 119 25.,

; UNITED I STATES ARTHUR M. BARRETT, r wINNEr- -A mums,

mr'rme raven.

Original application filed December 21, 1917, Serial No. 2 085 280. Divided and this application 26, 1922. Serial No. 556,741.

T all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, A THUR M. BARRETT, a citizen of the United States, residing at lVinnetka, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Lifting Trucks, of

which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawin s. g r

7 My invention relates to lifting trucks, or trucks comprising a rising and falling frame adapted to be introduced under a suitable platform or table on which a load is placed, and to be elevated to lift the platform and load so'that it can be transported by means of the truck. Such trucks ordinarily consist of a main frame, rectangular in outline, which is supported on front and rear-"wheels, the front wheel or wheels being capable of being turned for steering purposesby m eans of a handle or lever, said lever being also employed for thepurpose of raising and loweringthe elevating frame.

The latter frame conforms generally in out-- line to the shape of the main frame, and is supported by it in such manner that when moved longitudinally in one direction it will rise, and when moved in the opposite direction it will descend. A truck of this general character is shown in my patent, N o.

1,308,750, dated July 8, 1919. The object of my Present invention is to provide certain impr ovements in trucks of the type referred to, and particularly to provide improved means for mounting the rear end portion of the elevating frame ,so as to provide a better support therefor and reduce wear on the moving parts; and to provide improved" means for checking the descent of the ele vating frame when it is being lowered. I

accomplish my object as illustrated in the.

accompanying drawings and as hereinafter described. hat I' regard as newis set forth in the claims. 1

In the accompanying drawings 1 Fig. 1 is a plan view of my improved truck, the operating lever being in section;

'Fig- 2 is substantially a longitudinal sec tion online 22 of Fig.v 1;

Fig. 3 is a detail, being a central longitudinal sectional view of therear coupling of, the fl-uid check on line 3+3 of 4;

Fig. 4 is an elevation of the forward end e o plin f filed a rn 5 is an under side view of said 0011- tial longitudinal section on line 9-4) of Fig. 11; and v r Y Fig. 10"is a similar longitudinal sectional view showing a modification.

Referring to the drawings; 13 indicates the side bars of the main frame of thetruck, which asbest shown in Fig. 6 are preferably made of channel iron, At their rear ends said barsare preferably curved downward, and in said downwardlyextending ends 14: are mounted the ends of the rear axle 1 5., 16 indicates the rear wheels which are mounted on the axle .15 near the side bars 13,. as shown in Figs. 1 and7. v y

The side bars 13 areconnected at their front ends. by an inverted -U-shaped crosshead 17, 'as'b'est shown-in Fig. 6. As illustrated in F ig. 2, said cross-head is provided centrally at its upper side with a'circular cup 18, the upper portionof which is offset to provide an internal ledge or shoulder 19. Co-axially disposed with reference "tolthe cup 18 and extending downward therefrom is a cylindrical bearing or sleeve 20 having a peripheral flange 21 disposed intermediate'ly thereof, as shown in Fig. 2. The lowerend of said sleeve is adapted to fit into'a socket in the upper end of a co-' acting bearing block 22 provided at the upper side of the front axle 23, on the ends of which the front wheels 24 are mounted,

as shown in Fig. 6. The sleeve 20 co-operates with the bearing block 22, to pivotally support the front axle so thatthefront wheels may be adjusted angularly as required in steering the truck. By this constru'ction I provide extending bearing surfaces between these. parts, since the upper margin of the bearing block 22 bears against the lower surface of the flange- 21,aiid the lower endof the sleeve 20 bears against the bottom of the socket in said bearingbloclr,

is a transverse section on line 77 while the periphery of said sleeve bears against the inner surface thereof. The bearing block 22 is held in place and is turned for steering purposes by means of a pivot, or king bolt 25, which extends down through the sleeve 20 and the bearing block 22, and is non-rotatably connected with said block by a bolt 26, shown in Fig. 2, or other suitable means. At its upper end the king bolt 25 carries a head 27 which rests on the bottom of the cup 18. Said head is provided with two upwardly projecting parallel brackets 28,'the shape of which is best shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As there illustrated, said brackets are segmental in shape and are provided with projecting fingers 2930 at their ends between which fingers the outer edges of the brackets are curved, as shown at 31. Adjacent to the fingers 30 the brackets 28 are connected by a trans verse web 32, ll-shaped in cross section, and

adjacent to the fingers 29 they are con nected by a cross-bar 33 which rests on the shoulder 19 and bears thereon as the king bolt 25 is turned in one direction or the other.

34 indicates the operating lever or handle which is substantially a bellcrank lever, being provided at its lower end with an arm 35 which is approximately at right angles to the main portion of said lever, as shown in Fig. 2. The arm 35 is provided with a hook 36 which is adapted to engage a portion of the elevating frame for raising and lowering the same, as will be hereinafter described. The lower end of the lever 34 is mounted between the brackets 28 on a pivot 37 which is adapted to ride on the curved outer edges 31 of said brackets to permit the lever 34 to be shifted into either. of two positions, one of which it occupies when used to raise or lower the elevating frame, and the other of which it occupies when used for moving the truck from place to place and steering it. The lever 34 is connected with the head 27 and is held in operative relation to the brackets 28 by a pair of links 38 disposed between said brackets and the opposite sides of the lever, and connected with the pivot 37 and with another pivot 39 mounted between said brackets, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that by swinging the lever 34 laterally, the king bolt may be rotated in one direction or the other, correspondingly turning the front wheels so that the truck may be steered. lVhen this occurs, the head 27 turns in the cup 18, the bar 33 riding on the shoulder 19. The engagement of said bar. with said shoulder is advantageous because it provides a firm support for the ends of the brackets 28 when the lever 34 is used to raise and lower the load, and it also aids in supporting said brackets when the truck is steered. When not in use the lever 34 may be supported in a substantially upright position so that it will be out of the way by moving its fulcrum 37 to its extreme forward position, which will permit the lever arm 35 to rest on the pivot 39. Vv'hen in such position, the hook d moves down in front of the cross-bar 41 indicates the side bars of the elevating frame which are preferably channel bars, as shown' in Fig. 7, and are disposed so that they overlie the side bars 13 of the main frame. The side bars 41 are connected at their rear ends by a cross-bar 42 presenting angularly disposed sections which also serves as a bearing, as will be hereinafter described. Said cross-bar may be made of either a simple. angle iron, as shown in Fig. or it may be an angular bar having its inner side rounded, as shown at 42 in Fig. 10. In the construction shown, the crossbar 42 is connected with the side bars 41 by straps 43, but it may be connected therewith in any other suitable way, as by welding. 44 indicates a front cross-bar which is preferably T-shaped in cross-section, being provided with vertical flanges 4546 and a horizontal flange 47, shown in Fig. 2. This front cross-bar is fixedly connected with the side bars 41 near their forward ends and serves to brace said bars as well as to perfo: various other functions, as will herein-utter appear. 48 indicates links or struts which are mounted upon the rear axle 15 between the wheels 16, as shown in Fig. 7, and support at their upper ends a cylindrical bearing member 4:, which, in the construction shown, is non-rotatably secured thereto by pins 50, as illustrated in Fig. 8. Said cylindrical member may, however, be formed integral with the links 48 or be otherwise operatively connected therewith. Said cylindrical member 49 is of suitable diameter to fit into the angle of the crossbar 42 so as to bear against the horizontal and vertical flanges thereof, as shown in Fig. 9, or against the inner curved surface thereof, if said cross-bar be made as shown in Fig. 10, so that when the links 48 are swung forward about the rear axle 15 as a pivot, the (to-acting surfaces of the cylindrical member 49 and the cross-bar 42 or 42, provide an extended bearing between said members, thereby not only reducing wear, but also furnishing a more stable support for the rear end of the elevating frame. In the construction illustrated the member 49 is shown as a true cylinder as that construction is preferable. but it will be understood that instead of a true cylinder any other rounded bearing surface of suitable contour to perform the required function may be employed, and the term cylindrical is to be construed accordingly. In

order to permit the links 48 to assume the necessary inclined'position when the elevatng frame is lowered, sa1d l nks are flattened as shown at 51 in Fig. 9, this flattened porstops to limit the downward movement of the elevating frame and also aid in supporting it when it is in its lowered position. In addition to "the links 48,, the cylindrical bearing member 19 is connected to the rear axle 15 by links 52 which are fitted upon the ends of the axle 15 outsideof the rear wheels, as shown in Fig. 9. Preferably one of the links 52 is connected with one end of the member 49 by a bolt 54% passed through the adjacent side bar 41 and screwed into the end of the member l9, as

indicated by dotted lines in Fig.8, and the other link 52 is secured to the opposite end of' said member 49by fitting it upon a pin 55 which projects'from that end of said member 49 and into a suitable socket. in the opposite side bar 41, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

'56 indicates a bracket carried by the side 7 bars 41 near theirforward ends, and pref- @erably cast integral withfthe cross-bar 44.. .Said bracket is substantially V-shaped,its

apex 'extendingnpward and forward and being provided with a yoke 57 in whichis mounted a cross-pin 58 whichis adapted to be in. alinement with the hook 36 of the operating lever 34 when said lever is in its central or neutral position, at whichtiine, the

' front wheels are disposed parallelwith the rear wheels, as illustrated in Fig. 1.; The arrangement of these parts is such that when theelevating'frame is in its lowered position,

by moving the, pivot 37 of theoperating lever 34 to'its rearmost position on the brackets 28 and swinging said lever upward to a substantially verticalposition, as illustrated in Fig. 2,;the hook36 may be brought, into engagement with the pin 58. By thenswinging the lever downward, it will operate to lift the elevating frame and pull it; forward. The links 38 will then assume a rearwardly inclinedposition, the fulcrum' S37 lying back of the ,pivot39 and the pin being approximately vertically above the fulcrum 37, so that the weightof the elevat ing frame when it is being lifted as well as when it is approximately in its raisedpositi on, tends to hold the fulcrum of the operating lever in its lifting position, but it may readily be swung forward on the brackets 28 after the hook 36 has been disengaged:

from the pin 58. The elevating frame is in the manner described, by theswinging of the links 48 and 52 in a clockwise direction about the rear axle 15 as an axis and 'the ends of the side bars ll of the elevating frame, which are preferably bevelled. Thus when the locking devices, hereinafter described,by which the elevating frame 18 held in its raised position are released, the rear end of said frame is lowered by the swinging of the links 48 while its forward end slides down the inclined guides 59, so that said frame maintains approximately a substantially horizontal position as it rises or descends.

The elevating frame is secured in its ele vated position by means of a latch 61 which is loosely mounted upon a transverse shaft 62 arranged in suitable bearings back of the head 18, as shown in Fig. 2. Said latch is located in about th center line of the truck and extends rearw'ardly from said shaft. On its under side, it is provided with a bevelled tooth 62 which is adapted toengage a bevelled block 63 which, in the construction shown, is carried by the horizontal flange 17 in such position that when the elevatingframe is in its'uppermost position,

moving rearwardly, if the latch 61 be held down in operative relation to the block 63,

the elevating framewill be locked in its raised position. For the purpose of holding saidjlatch down in operatlve position, a

swinging dog 64 is provided, which is suspended from a suitable pivot 65, so that when the elevating frame is in its raised position, will overlie the upper side of the latch 61 and be adapted to engage an upwardly projecting lug 66 provided atthe upper side of said latch, shown in Fig. 2. The arrangement is such that when the dog 64: is in the latter position its'lower end will engagethe lug 66 and hold the latch down in operative position, but by swing] ing the dog 64: rearwardly far enough'to clear the latch 61 the latch will be free to swing upward and permit the elevating frame to descend. The latch 61 is normally held in a substantially horizontal position.

by ashoulder 67 which projects forward from the shaft 62 and is adapted to engage the head 18, or some other fixed part, when the latch 61 is in approximately a horizon- 't-al position.

upwardtoa limited extent. The dog 6 1 preferably maintains its operative position shown in-Fig. '2 by gravity, and to limit its forward 'inovement it is provided with a lug 68 which is adapted to engage a part of The face of said shoulder is l p slightly bevelled to permit the'latch to swing caused to rise when the lever 34; is operated the bracket 56 when said dog occupies its vertical position. Said dog is swung rearwardly for the purpose of releasing the latch 61, by means of an arm (39 which is mounted on and secured to the shaft 62 in position to engage a forwardly projecting lug 70 carried by the dog Get, as shown in Fig. 2. By rocking the shaft 2 to move the arm 69 in a counterclockivise direction, it will engage the lug 70 and move the dog 64 away from over the latch 61, as will readily be understood. The shaft 62 is rocked by means of a foot lever 71, shown in Fig. 1, which is normally held in it forward position by gravity, but if desired a spring may be used for that purpose.

lVhen the elevating frame is in its lowered position shown in Fig. 2, the dog 64k does not overlie the latch 61, but as said frame is lifted it moves forward as has been described, until, when the elevating frame reaches its highest position, said dog is carried over said latch into operative position. Before said dog reaches its operative position, however, the forward bevelleo edge of the block 63 engages the rearward bevelled edge of the tooth 62 and lifts the latch 61. sufiieiently to permit it to ride over the block 68 and drop into the space between said block and the flange The dog 64 then swings over the latch 61 and locks the elevating frame in its raised position.

In order to check the descent of the elevating frame when loaded, 1 provide a check 72 interposed between said elevating frame and the main frame. Said check comprises a cylinder in which operates a piston having a piston rod 73, which is drawn out by the elevation of the elevating frame and is forced back into the cylinder by the descent of said frame. The interior construction of the ch ck has nothing to do with my present invention further than that it should be a fluid check of any approved type, and preferably provided with a spring to start the descent of the elevating frame when it is not loaded. Such checks are well known in the art, and have for many years been used in connection with doors, and, therefore, the interior construction of the check need not be described, but I provide an improved mounting for the check which enables it to accommodate itself to the peculiar movement of the elevating frame without undue wear, as will now be described.

'74 indicates a coupling which is provided at the rear end of the check, and is preferably secured thereto by screwing it into the rear end of the cylinder of the check, as shown in Fig. Said coupling is provided with a slot 73 at its under side which is adapted to receive the head and the adjacent portion of a bolt 76, and it is also provided with a recess 76 into which the head of the bolt may fit, as shown in dotted lines in Figs. and 1. Said bolt passes through a suitable opening in a cross-brace 77 which connects the sic e members 13 of the main frame, and is preferably located about midway of the length of the main frame, as shown in Fig. 2. The brace 77 is preferably of angle iron, and the outer portion of the coupling 7c is rounded so that it bears peripherally against the vertical flange of said b are and is adapted to rock thereon. A spring 78 is mounted on the bolt 76 at the opposite side of said vertical flange, and between said flange and a nut 79 screwed upon the rear end of said bolt. Thus the coupling 7% is yieldingly held with a rockin bearin a ainst the brace '77 and an K) D D 7 wear is taken up by the action of the spring 78. The forward end of the piston rod 73 is connected to another coupling 80, having a rounded head 81 which fits in a socket in a bearing block 82 which is secured to the flange 16 in any suitable way. I thus provide a peripheral rocking bearing for supporting the forward end of the piston rod. The coupling 80 is provided with a depend ing lug 83, and a bolt 8 1 passes through said lug and through the flange 16, said bolt carrying a spring which bears against the lug S3 and a nut 86 mounted on the rear end of the bolt 84, so that said spring exerts a yielding forward pressure on the lug 83 which tends to swing the coupling 80 in a counterclockwise direction. The coupling 80, therefore, accommodates itself to the changing angle of the check resulting from the rising and falling of the elevating frame, and consequently not only reduces the wear on the forward connection of the piston rod, but also maintains the piston rod in proper alinement with the cylinder of the check, thereby avoiding excessive wear on the stuffing-box at the forward end of said cylinder.

The devices for raising the elevating frame and for locking it in its elevated position, and the construction by which the steering wheels are mounted, are not claimed herein as they form the subject-matter of my Patent No. 1,459,04-1, dated June 19, 1923, of which this application is a division.

' iVhile I have shown and described my improvements as applied to a truck in which the elevating frame moves longitudinally when it is moved vertically i wish it to be understood that in so far as they are applicable to trucks in wnich the elevating frame moves vertically only the claims are to be construed accordingly.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A lifting truck comprising a main frame, an elevating frame having transverse bearing surfaces disposed angularly relatively to each other, and swinging means ammo e unportedby he a nfr me and a ran ed to er 1 aid b ar ng acea. f9 ising or lowering said elevating frame,

2. A lifting truck comprising a main frame, an elevating frame having transverse bearing surfaces, disposed angularlyfrelatively to each other, and Swinging. links pivotally supported by the main frame and having a bearing member adapted to bear ering said elevating frame.

3. A lifting truck comprisinga main frame, an elevating frame having transverse angularly-disposed bearing surfaces, swing.- ing links pivotally supported at opposite sides of the main frame, and a transverselydisposed' bearing member carried by said on saidbearing surfaces, for raising or low- I links and bearing on said bearing surfaces,

for raising or lowering, said frame. V

4. A lifting truck comprising a main frame, anv elevating frame having transelevating verse, angularly-disposed bearing surfaces,

swinging links pivotally supported by "the ma1n-frame,'and a cylindrical'bearing member connected Wlth said links and bearing on saidbearing surfaces;

5. A lifting truck comprising a. main" frame, an elevating frame having' a transversely disposed angle bar, l nks pivotally supported by the rmain frame, and a cylin drical bearing member carried by said links and bearing in the angle of said bar.

6. A lifting truck comprising a main frame, an elevating frame having. a transversely disposed angle bar, linkspivotally supported by the main frame, said links having flattenedportions adapted to underlie a fiangeof said'angle bar when said elevating frame is in its lowered position, and a cylindrical bearing member carried by said links and bearing against said angle bar.

7. A lifting truck comprising a main frame, an axle connected therewith, wheels mounted on said axle, an elevating frame having a transversely disposed angle bar, links mounted on said axle, and a transversely arranged bearing member connected with said links andbearing in the angle of said bar.

8*. A lifting truck' comprising a main frame, an elevating'frame having a trans versely disposed angle" bar adjacent to one end thereof, links pivotally supported by the main frame, a cylindricalbearingrmember carried by said links and bearing, in the angle of said bar, and means supported by said mainframe and cooperating withthe other end portion of said elevating frame for raising said elevating frame. J

' 9. A lifting truck comprising a main frame, an elevating frame having aftrans versely disposed angle bar adjacent toone endthereof, links pivotally supported by arranged move ongitudinall wh q is move h main me a d l nk havin flatte ed portions adapted to underlie a flange ofs aid anglebar when said elevating frame is in it'sloweredv position, a cylindrical bearing member carried by said links and bearing against said angle bar, and means sup? ported by said main frame and cooperating with the other end portion ofsaid elevat ingframe for raising said elevating frame.

10. In an elevating truck comprising load supporting means having a transverse mem-fi ber presenting angularly disposed sections, means for elevating said load supporting means including a strut pivotally supported at its lower end and having a bearing at its upper end engaging said angularly disposed sections and lying within theangle formed by'the angularly disposed sections of said transverse. member.

11. In an elevating truck comprising a wheel supported main frame, a platform comprising a front end bar and a rear end bar formed of angle iron presenting a hori-' V zontal top section and a vertical, rear section, side plates connecting said front rear end bars, and means for elevating said platform relatively to said frame including a strut pivotally mounted upon said main frame and having bearing members lying within the angle formed by theverticalandmovement" of said elevating frame, said check having a yielding rocking connection Witheach of said frames, and means mounted on saidniainframe for raising said elevating frame and, moving; it longitudinally.

14. In a lifting truck, the. combination with a main. frame. and an elevating frame, of'a check connected with, said frames and adapted to retard the downward; movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a rounded end having a rocking bearing on a portion of one offsaid frames, and means, mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

15. In a lifting truck, the, combination with a main frame and an elevating frame vertically, ofa check. connected with said frames and adapted to retard the downward-movement of said elevatin frame, said checkcompi'ising' a rounded 'eiidi havinga rocking-bearing on a portion of one of'said frames, and means mounted on said main framefor raising said elevating frame and moving it longitudinally.

16. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check connected with said frames and adapted to retard the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a rounded end having a rocking bearing on said main frame, means connecting said rounded end with the latter frame, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

17. In a lifting truck, the combination with a mainframe and an elevating frame arranged to move longitudinally when it is moved vertically, of a check connected with said frames andadapted to retard the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a rounded end having a rocking bearing on said main frame, means connecting said rounded end with the latter frame, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame and moving it longitudinally.

'18. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check connected with said frames and adapted to retard the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a rounded end having a rocking bearing on said main frame, means yieldingly connecting said rounded end with the latter frame, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

19. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check adapted to retard the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising peripheral rocker bearings seated against said main and elevating frames, respectively, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

20. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a checlf adapted to retard the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising peripheral rocker bearings seated against said main and elevating frames, respectively, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

21. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check adapted to retard the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising end rocker bearings seated against said main and elevating frames, re spectively, means yieldingly connecting the ends of. said check with said frames, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame,

22. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check for retarding the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a rounded end having a rocker bearing on a portion of one of said frames, a bolt connecting the rounded end with the latter frame, a spring on said bolt for yieldingly holding said rocker bearing on its seat, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

23. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check for retarding the downward movement of said elevating frame. said check comprising a piston rod having a rocker bearing on one of said frames, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

24. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check for retarding the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a piston rod having a rocker bearing on said elevating frame, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

25. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check for retarding the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a piston rod having a rounded head adapted to bear against one of said frames, means for connecting said piston rod to such frame, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

26. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check for retarding the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check comprising a piston rod having a rounded head adapted to bear against one of said frames, means for yieldingly connecting said piston rod to such frame, and

means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

27. In a lifting truck, the combination with a main frame and an elevating frame, of a check for retarding the downward movement of said elevating frame, said check having a rounded end adapted to rock on the main frame and comprising a piston rod having a rocker bearing on said elevating frame, means for holding the members of said check in operative relation to said main and elevating frames, and means mounted on said main frame for raising said elevating frame.

ARTHUR M. BARRETT, 

